Separation tool and method for nozzle segments of gas turbines

Abstract

A nozzle segment separation tool for use with a pair of airfoils of adjacent nozzle segments in a turbine is provided. The nozzle segment separation tool includes a pair of separation brackets, a movable separation bracket and a stationary separation bracket, and a hydraulic cylinder positioned between the pair of separation brackets. The movable separation bracket is positioned about a first airfoil of the pair of airfoils and the stationary separation bracket is positioned about a second airfoil of the pair of airfoils. The hydraulic cylinder pushes the movable separation bracket against the first airfoil until the stationary separation bracket pushes the second airfoil to separate from the first airfoil.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A nozzle segment separation tool for use with a pair of airfoils of adjacent nozzle segments in a turbine, comprising:
 a pair of separation brackets;   
       wherein the pair of separation brackets comprises a movable separation bracket and a stationary separation bracket; and,
 a hydraulic cylinder positioned between the pair of separation brackets; 
 
       wherein the movable separation bracket is positioned about a first airfoil of the pair of airfoils and the stationary separation bracket is positioned about a second airfoil of the pair of airfoils; and, wherein the hydraulic cylinder pushes the movable separation bracket against the first airfoil until the stationary separation bracket pushes the second airfoil to separate from the first airfoil. 
     
     
         2 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic cylinder comprises an internal piston. 
     
     
         3 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic cylinder comprises a hydraulic fluid port positioned within a hydraulic swivel hoist. 
     
     
         4 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the pair of separation brackets comprise a contoured shape. 
     
     
         5 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of separation brackets comprises a shock absorbing layer. 
     
     
         6 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of separation brackets comprises a bumper. 
     
     
         7 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 6 , wherein the bumper comprises a shock absorbing layer. 
     
     
         8 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a safety slide positioned between the pair of separation brackets. 
     
     
         9 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 8 , wherein the safety slide is fixedly attached to the movable separation bracket. 
     
     
         10 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 9 , wherein the safety slide is slidably attached to the stationary separation bracket via a roller and a slot. 
     
     
         11 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of safety slides. 
     
     
         12 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a tool maneuvering rod. 
     
     
         13 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 12 , wherein the tool maneuvering rod is attached to the stationary separation bracket via a quick release coupling. 
     
     
         14 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 1 , wherein the stationary separation bracket is bolted to the hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
         15 . A method of separating a pair of airfoils of adjacent nozzle segments in a turbine, comprising:
 sliding a nozzle segment separation tool about the pair of airfoils;   positioning a movable separation bracket of the nozzle segment separation tool about a first airfoil of the pair of airfoils;   positioning a stationary separation bracket of the nozzle segment separation tool about a second airfoil of the pair of airfoils; and,   
       pushing the movable separation bracket against the first airfoil by a hydraulic cylinder until the stationary separation bracket pushes the second airfoil to separate from the first airfoil. 
     
     
         16 . A nozzle segment separation tool for use with a pair of airfoils of adjacent nozzle segments in a turbine, comprising:
 a pair of separation brackets;   
       wherein the pair of separation brackets comprises a movable separation bracket and a stationary separation bracket; and,
 a hydraulic cylinder positioned between the pair of separation brackets; wherein the stationary separation bracket is attached to the hydraulic cylinder and comprises a contoured shape; wherein the movable separation bracket is positioned about a first airfoil of the pair of airfoils and the stationary separation bracket is positioned about a second airfoil of the pair of airfoils; and, wherein the hydraulic cylinder pushes the movable separation bracket against the first airfoil until the stationary separation bracket pushes the second airfoil to separate from the first airfoil. 
 
     
     
         17 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 16 , wherein the hydraulic cylinder comprises a hydraulic swivel hoist. 
     
     
         18 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 16 , wherein each of the pair of separation brackets comprises a shock absorbing layer and a bumper. 
     
     
         19 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 16 , further comprising a safety slide positioned between the pair of separation brackets. 
     
     
         20 . The nozzle segment separation tool of  claim 16 , further comprising a tool maneuvering rod attached to the stationary separation bracket.